Marriage of Kingsley and Chikodi Unachukwu, from Nigeria, at Clonakilty Parish Church.

A Nigerian family who reside in Clonakilty had cause for a double celebration today - a wedding and a first Holy Communion.

Kingsley and Chikodi Unachukwu left their home in Nigeria as refugees from persecution. They reside in Clonakilty with their two children who attend local Catholic schools.

On Saturday, during the 10am Mass, Kingsley and Chickodi celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage and their two children received their First Holy Communion at the same Mass.

Far away from their own families, the family were accompanied by the support and kindness of people in Clonakilty who decorated the church, served tea in the Parish Centre -- with a wedding cake and a First Communion cake, while the family were also joined by neighbours and school friends.

The celebrant of the Mass was Fr Tom Hayes Co-PP who congratulated the family on their special double celebration. He also thanks the local community for the warm welcome shown by so many to people who have come to live locally from far away.

One visit to Ireland in recent years by a US couple meant they fell in love with the country and its people.

Now they have visited again, this time with family and close friends, and celebrated their marriage in West Cork.

April Kollegger and Cole Farnam, both grew up in New York state where they both still live. They are part of the Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York.

They chose the Sacred Heart Church in Darrara to be the venue for their celebration of Marriage and they asked Fr. Tom Hayes to be the celebrant.

Accompanied by their families and close friends – most of whom are in Ireland for the first time – they are also spending a few days getting a taste of the rest of the country.

April Kollegger and Cole Farnam, both from New York state, at their marriage in Darrara Church. (Pic: Kathryn O'Shea)

Maura Whelton pictured with her extended family in the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Barryroe Photo: Paul Finn.

The recently retired sacristan of the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, in Barryroe, has received a papal award.

Maura Whelton was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Leo for her exceptional services to the Catholic Church and the local community. The presentation was made by Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross at the conclusion of Sunday Mass in Barryroe last week.

Maura’s work in the Barryroe church spanned some three decades and was in tandem with her association with local organisations including Community Alert, the Legion of Mary and St. Vincent de Paul.

Such dedication nowadays is a fading role as society continues to change. Maura's own assessment of the role as sacristan in her local church was “I did it for God, it's as simple as that really.”

Four baptised at Clonakilty Parish Church

Our family of parishes has welcomed four young people into the Christian community.

The children belong to two families who live at The Lodge in Clonakilty and came to Ireland from Nigeria.

Esther, Diamond and Chistiana were accompanied by their mother Salimat along with their shared sponsors Paul and Balikis.

Balikis' baby Siobhan was also baptised at the same ceremony. 

Bookings for a Baptism in one of the churches of the family of parishes can be made here.